WORLD Book Day celebrations looked a little different at one school in Chester this week, where a new book vending machine was unveiled.
Bishops’ Blue Coat C of E High School installed the innovative new appliance on Thursday, March 7, which will allow students – and staff – the chance to purchase their favourite books or receive them for free as prizes and rewards.
Designed and supplied by one of the school’s parents, Phil Matthews, who is Director of auto retail group EEM Retail, the machine displays each new book and comes equipped with a touchscreen to allow children to select their preferred title.
QR codes can also be used to allow children to dispense a book for free, as a reward for outstanding behaviour and effort.
The school’s ‘Extreme Reading’ competition prize winner Santiago Smith and runners-up Will Chesters and Alex Swanton were the first to claim their prizes from the vending machine.
The unique project was spearheaded by Mrs McManus, Deputy Heady of English at Bishops’ High School.
Mrs McManus said: “We know how important reading is for our young people to flourish, throughout their seven-year journey here at Bishops’ and beyond, and we want all our students to be able to access and enjoy as many books as possible.
"This vending machine is an exciting opportunity, and we are thrilled to have made our vision a reality.”
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